Where The Candidates Stand on Abortion

Background: The U.S. Supreme Court is considered likely to either overturn, or significantly modify, its 1973 decision in Roe vs. Wade that established a right to an abortion. As a result, the explosive issue likely will be argued in state legislatures and the Congress, and has become a litmus test for the presidential candidates. President Bush opposes abortion except in cases of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is in danger. He also opposes federally funded abortions. Patrick J. Buchanan opposes abortion under all circumstances except when the life of the mother is in danger. Bill Clinton supports abortion rights. However, as governor of Arkansas, he signed legislation mandating parental notification for minors seeking abortions and favored restrictions on state funding for abortions. As a presidential candidate, he now says he would not oppose federal legislation to fund abortion nor would he sign a congressional bill requiring parental notification. He says that any of his nominees to the Supreme Court must support abortion rights. Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr. supports legalized abortion, opposes manadtory parental notification laws and supports federally funded abortions.